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“It is,” I reply. “The thing is, I was talking to Smith and Zach about it ages ago, and we came up with an idea. Something a little unconventional, though I think it could work. I would just like to say this would be merely a transaction type of deal. Every detail would be outlined before anything happened, and it would benefit everyone involved. I think it would, anyway.”
I take a deep breath and close my eyes. When I open them again, my gaze locks with Austen’s hazel gaze.
“We thought if I had a boyfriend, a fake one, then my parents would leave me alone. I told them I could only trust a handful of people. Within those people, most of them are either married, dating someone, or very straight.” I point to Tennyson to prove my point.
As if it all clicks, Austen’s mouth makes an O-shape. He points to his chest.
“You’re thinking about me? You want me to be your fake boyfriend? How… what… I’m confused.”
Tenn hums softly, all humor gone. “I am too. Do you know something I don’t, Corrin? I thought Uncle Kev was the only man-loving Page we had in our ranks.”
Leave it to my best friend to make the most ridiculous phrases while I try to keep my head about this.
“This isn’t me outing anyone. I honestly have no idea about Austen’s preferences. It was merely a ‘this person could fit’ idea we had. If you’re not up for the acting, then I totally get it. Since you mentioned a problem of your own, I figured bringing it up wouldn’t be such a ridiculous notion. Fake dating me would get the girls to leave you alone. Whether you’re bi, gay, or not won’t matter as long as the ruse goes on. People can believe what they want. I don’t think Austen cares about what people think.”
Austen nods slowly as he frowns. “I don’t care. And I don’t like people.”
I snort. “I’ve come to understand that. I know I’m no exception. Maybe we could find a way for that to change so this works.”
“You are. An exception, I mean. I don’t know you, so I can’t not like you.”
It should not make me so excited to hear his declaration… You are.
Fuck! Focus, Corrin. Focus.
“Would you be upset if people assumed things about your sexuality because of this? Would it cause you trouble?” I have to ask because in no way do I want to make his life harder. This is meant to help us both.
He shakes his head. “Not at all. I’m not on the team anymore, so no one is going to give me shit at practice. I rarely interact outside of class participation and work. I doubt it'll affect my internship. Really, the lack of dating has made them assume I’m straight, so they’re already out there deciding things for me.”
“Wait a minute. Are you saying you’ll agree to this?” Tenn’s gaze bounces between me and Austen. “Not that I’m against it. Logically, it makes sense. I just don’t want things to get messy.”
“Messy? How would they get messy?” Austen scrunches his face.
“Because how else do you convince people you’re dating than by being close? I’ve been your buffer for years. I can’t go everywhere you two do though. And you’ll have to do couple's stuff, like kissing and holding hands.”
Austen goes pale at the notion. Guess that shows how attracted to me he is.
“We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. And we can practice hand holding if it helps. I’m not really used to it either. Professional single guy here. I literally live on the road half the year.”
The self-deprecation brings a bit of color back into his cheeks. I watch him think over the idea for a few minutes quietly. For once in his life, even Tennyson keeps silent to wait for his brother’s reaction.
It’s only after Antonia comes to take our orders that he gives his answer.
“I’ll do it.”
And with that, everything changes.
Chapter 4
Austen
It’s so late by the time we leave the restaurant that Corrin’s drooping. Tenn posts up beneath his arm to help guide him to the car. Though I stopped after the first two drinks, Corrin decided to really unload his feelings and his wallet.
I almost stopped him at number four since he showed no signs of slowing down; however, my brother insisted he had the resilience of a rockstar, so he’d be fine.
Yeah, sure. He was absolutely fine.
Fine and drunk off his ass.
